Whimsical Spa Experiences Trumped by Whimsical Accommodations
by Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider


I loved the ad Virtuoso (high-end travel network) ran with us a while ago which showed two fashionable ladies in a cartoon format talking to each other with one saying to the other, “The only thing better than a traditional Balinese massage in an open-air, thatched hut overlooking the Indian Ocean is the look on people’s faces when you tell them about it.”

It really struck a chord. I call it “cocktail conversation spa treatments” and lots of people enjoy sharing some whimsical or unusual spa experience with others. I’m not sure why that is, except it’s probably better than talking about the weather at a cocktail party.

Well, this weekend Peter and I had one of those experiences. It wasn’t the spa treatment however; it was our cottage and stay at the Winvian Connecticut which I would describe in two words – whimsical and expensive. The estate, and its 18 cottages, is described in a gift-wrapped-and bound-brochure given to each guest as one of the ever-unfolding surprises in each cottage. It is 34 pages of stately staged photos of the grounds, cuisine and setting and has goofy touches including a pair of 3D glasses used to view the page about the Helicopter cottage, a set of matches to go with the Camping cottage description, and a pop- up map of the property attached at the end. My guess is the brochure alone probably costs over $100.

Winvian is a high-end getaway located in the affluent, manicured area of Litchfield County about 100 miles from New York City and 150 miles from Boston. It's clearly for people who want something different – for whatever reason. The least expensive room is $1450 per night and the top-end is $1950. Gulp (Luckily we got a break.) I talked Peter into it as a “honey-do” payback for the times I agreed to join him on the back of his motorcycle this past year – and as an early 23rd anniversary celebration. He scored major points for going along with the plan and being a good sport, especially when I insisted on a lengthy five-course lunch on the home's patio (all of the food and wine was included, so I felt obliged to try everything).

I can’t do this fanciful experience justice in a blog…you just have to go to the Winvian website and see for yourself. They had 15 different architects create the unique cottages – each almost the size of a home and no two remotely alike. Every cottage has its own theme and name… Artists, Camping, Golf, Greenhouse, Helicopter (photo on the left and yes there is a cockpit and you are living in a helicopter), Library, Log Cabin, Maritime, Music, Secret Society, and Tree house (35 feet in the air - photo on the right) to name a few. The one we were in was called Woodland. It had its own indoor stone waterfall, sunken bathtub overlooking the trees, sinks carved out of tree trunks and large tree trunks holding up the two story design. And oh yes, the stone stacked steam shower has a ceiling window which gives you a view of yet more wood and trees.

Service, food, gym and spa treatments were ok. The yoga room was a standout. The story here is definitely the accommodations.

I guess time will tell whether describing our experience at cocktail parties will have made it worth the entry fee. At least I know my husband is a trooper.

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Monaco Spa Event and Monaco Spa Symposium – Expect to be Dazzled!
by Susie Ellis

I spent some time this afternoon studying the brochure for the Monaco Spa Event and the program for the Monaco Spa Symposium. Since I attended last year I thought I would share some things I learned in case anyone is thinking about attending.

1. The event is January 18, 19, and 20th from approximately 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
2. Fly into Nice and from there it is an easy bus ride of 45 minutes or a helicopter ride of 7 minutes to Monaco.
3. Know that there is the Exhibition and then there is the Spa Symposium. These are two separate happenings though held at the same place – the famous Grimaldi Forum.
4. Signing up for the Symposium (around 610 Euros for all three days) allows you to see the Exhibition. However just going to the Exhibition (which is either 25 Euros or 50 Euros depending on whether or not you are in the spa business) doesn’t get you into the Symposium. The Symposium looks stellar, so I would suggest going that route and then you’ll have access to Exhibition also.
5. If you want to stay near the Exhibition/Symposium, select the Hotel Meridian. Another close hotel is the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel. Both are within walking distance.

If you are on the fence in terms of whether or not you should attend:

Here are some reasons to go:
1. Spas in Europe are different than in the U.S. and in many ways more progressive. The area in which they are truly on the cutting edge is in architecture and design – especially thermal and water experiences. Walking through the Exhibition will make that crystal clear.
2. The list of exhibitors is much more hydro, balneo, thalasso, décor, and architecturally oriented. It isn’t just skin care after skin care after skin care (which is what I find at most of the U.S. shows). Here you will see dazzling design…but yes, some skin care.
3. There are plenty of spas to visit in Monaco which will give you a glimpse of what the European hotel spa scene is like. And do make an appointment for a treatment at Les Thermes Marins de Monte Carlo. Although I find their website dreadful, it will at least give you the contact information. But best to just walk in when you are there and make an appointment.
4. The Symposium has some compelling topics and speakers. Of particular interest to me:

• Results and Conclusions of a 3 year Research Study of the Spa Market
• Validating research regarding Energy Medicine
• An entire morning on future spa design
• Spa quality as discussed by the CEO of Relais & Chateaux – France

Here are some reasons not to go:
1. The exchange rate does not favor dollars at the moment so Europe in general feels expensive.
2. If you prefer to have a myopic view of the spa industry.

And finally…just a mention about why I like to promote certain quality spa events outside of the U.S. I think it makes the spa industry stronger when we learn from each other internationally. Having worked at some of the top spas in the U.S. and having visited countless other top spa properties, I must admit that when I go to Europe and see some of what is happening there spa-wise I am, quite frankly, humbled. Since this is the top quality spa event in Europe, it's the one to attend.
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The Monaco Spa Event: My First Spa Trip in 2008
By Susie Ellis

Now that our major trend predictions for 2008 have been announced, I get to spend some time looking ahead to 2008 in terms of my travel schedule. One of the most exciting trips looks like it will be right in the beginning – the Monaco Spa Event, January 18th-20th! I spoke at this event last year, but this year I am just an attendee, which always makes my trip just a little less stressful.

What I love about the Monaco Spa event is that it is very targeted. It is luxury. Like Monaco itself, it has a certain cachet. And how fun to be part of it for a few days. The event takes place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo – that’s the very-often photographed glass structure right on Monaco’s Larvotto Seafront.

Although I do look forward to viewing all of the interesting displays (the European spa product companies have magnificent showcases), my favorite part of the event is the conference. This year they are calling it a Symposium - and it has taken on an entirely new level. The logistics are being handled by a different team and can’t even be compared to the former format: 3 days of smart programming with some very high level (and new!) speakers. I’ll share more details about it in my next blog but thought you might enjoy a quick glimpse.

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Rarely do I have a spa experience these days which amazes me. But the three hour Royal Sphatika Signature Experience at the pristine clean and inviting Sphatika Spa near Columbus Circle did just that.

Afterward when I spoke to owner Janet League-Katzin, and her colleague Candace Darling, I learned that they have been working to perfect this treatment for five years! And true to my experience, it appears that every move of the therapist's hand, every spoken word, every touch of product is choreographed to be the most comfortable, the most therapeutic, and the most restful experience possible. It starts with time in one of their three individual infrared saunas (I am a fan of infrared saunas) and moves to a treatment room where partway through the session, which includes exfoliation and massage among other blissful additions, a canopy is lowered from the ceiling and covers the body for a steam.

Helping people get into deep sleep is part of the goal at Sphatika. I was told that almost 100 percent of the people who have this Royal Sphatika fall asleep during the treatment. But it is the restorative sleep that same night that really is impressive.

My advice? This is a day spa amidst many hotels in the area - some have spas and some don't. The Mandarin Oriental is right across the street, with the Trump International Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton Central Park nearby, among others. If the concierges in those hotels were smart, they would let their guests in on this secret, private, and very unusual spa.

On my recent trip to Russia, I visited an interesting day spa in St. Petersburg called Beauty Palace Madam Grand. One of the first stand-alone day spas in Russia, it opened just a year ago. Here are the features I found unique:

• The décor is over-the-top luxury, tsar-style opulence, and dripping in gold.
• Despite its name, it is for men and women.
• The owner makes money even if there are only five guests a day.
• Their relaxation area includes a bar and has a “smoking section."
• The state-of-the art equipment includes a Vichy/steam/sauna/hydrotherapy capsule.

Although the website is in Russian, the photos give you the gist. I was impressed with the owner, who previously ran a hair salon in St. Petersburg. She epitomizes the new entrepreneurial spirit in Russia!

Here are the things that I learned during my visit to California WellBeing Institute:

The property has three components that are all linked together.

• The Four Seasons Hotel
• The Spa
• The WellBeing Institute

-When you drive up to the building, you find it has a bit of an institutional look, but the inside is clearly luxurious. The backyard with pools, waterfalls, gardens, and an authentic pagoda shipped from China transport you to someplace else.
-Four Seasons standards and service lead the way and are seamlessly integrated throughout.
-The spa is lovely and has lots of marble. The treatment rooms have either patios or gardens.
-There are some beautiful couples' suites, and the relaxation area overlooks a large garden with orchids.
-The spa is run by the Four Seasons, not by the WellBeing Institute.
-The manager of the spa used to manage Spa Mystique, Century City, which is now converting into a flagship for Equinox.
-The WellBeing Institute is managed by personnel from the California Health and Longevity Institute, which used to be in Santa Monica.
-The medical offerings are very extensive and impressive.

Think staying at a luxury hotel, enjoying treatments in a very upscale spa as well as medical tests. At the end of your stay, you have undergone an extremely thorough medical examination and enjoyed a spa vacation.

Since I was in LA for our press breakfast, I decided to take the 30-minute ride to visit the brand-new California WellBeing Institute in Westlake Village that I had been hearing so much about. I knew few specifics except that it is the vision of David Murdock; that it opened in conjunction with a new Four Seasons Hotel; that it has a spa as well as a medical wellness component; and that a great deal of money had been spent in building it!

I learned a great deal more during my visit, which I will share with you tomorrow. But suffice it to say that the range of medical offerings was the biggest surprise…all kinds of the very latest diagnostic equipment, dermatology, and even dentistry. It was a peek into the future of luxury wellness.

Impressive. Clinique La Prairie Spa will be opening a 50-story residential tower in Miami next year called Ten Museum Park, which they term "a revolutionary evolution of spa living." I may have to agree with them. If they execute their plan according to current available information, I think it will be very appealing for a very specific audience.

What I like about this concept is that it seems as though they really know their customer. The famous Swiss company, known for its spa and its beauty products, is endeavoring to create a haven for that luxury, spa loving, beauty-oriented consumer. After 75 years of pampering kings, queens, heads of state, and movie stars at their spa in Switzerland, they should be able to satisfy those who purchase residences at this address. Here are the highlights:

• Sensational water views
• Opposite the new Miami Art Museum
• Famous Clinique La Prairie amenities in all condos, penthouses, and suites
• State-of-the-art Wellness Center on eighth and ninth floors
• Six pools including infinity-edge sunrise and sunset pools
• Forward-thinking Oppenheim Architecture + Design firm
• 25,000-square-foot sky garden with fruit trees and tropical vegetation
• Water water everywhere - views, pools, sounds
• 10,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor restaurant for residents and neighboring performing arts devotees
• Beauty-related businesses on lower floors
• Exclusive nightclub and lounge
• Massage, beauty care, thalasso, VIP cabins
• Hammam, Vichy shower and myriad electro, micro, and chromo treatments
• Proprietary beauty and health technology
• "Endless pampering, Swiss perfection, and service"

In typical European fashion they didn't mention anything about fitness in their press release, but thankfully I found a mention of cardio and fitness facilities on their website. Clearly, beauty is the focus here.

"Wow, that spa is so clean!" Those were the first words my brother-in-law, Bill Formby, said when I asked him how his massage was at the new Mayflower Spa this weekend. I had to laugh because there are so many extraordinary aspects of this new spa that could be mentioned (the setting, the artwork, the spaciousness, the quality of treatments), but he reminded me that for many people cleanliness is still the ultimate measure of spa quality. And this one gets an A+ for cleanliness.

My husband and I did our annual trek to the country this weekend to see the color change. We usually drive up to the Mayflower Inn in Washington, Connecticut for lunch during the peak color season, but this year we decided to stay overnight since my twin sister and her husband, Bill, were there for a five-day spa vacation.

Part of the reason why this spa is super clean is: Because it has to be. Adriana Mnuchin and her daughter, Lisa Hedley, who are the proprieters, were brave enough to select white as their dominant color - with accents of the most beautiful eggshell, pale blue, yellow, and celedon. When entering the 20,000-square-foot facility, everyone is asked to take off their shoes and put on slippers. Dining room chairs are in plush white fabric (can you believe such a thing?), lounge chairs are in creme and white upholstery with white chenille throws, etc. Draperies are of various white sheer fabrics, the tiles are pale mosaics in very light colors with a hint of shimmer, and the entire pool and Jacuzzi are tiled so that while you are swimming light dances on the water. Even the book coverings in the library are mostly white!

This kind of detail is what makes the Mayflower Inn and Spa so extraordinary and why it has already garnered praise (such as Good Morning America naming it the No. 1 Spa in America after it was opened only a few months), and why it made the cover of a recent issue of Luxury SpaFinder Magazine.


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Have you heard of The Farm at San Benito? It's a destination spa two hours outside of Manila in the Philippines. What a surprise - it is very luxurious in an eco-friendly way. I had heard that it is a five-star vegan detox place. I knew I would be able to handle the five-star part, but vegan and colonics?

Well, so far I have just experienced the former (colon detox is scheduled for this afternoon). Last night I had a five-course vegan dinner that was amazing. Here's the menu:

Cauliflower samosas with mint chutney

Creamy miso tomato soup

Salad buffet

Indonesian rice tamales with carrot lemongrass sauce

Assorted Indian pastries with mango lasse shot

And then I decided to finish it off with a serving of virgin coconut oil, which is all the rage here for detox. It is supposed to prepare me for the upcoming colon detox.

I will let you know how things develop. :)

My twin sister Katrine and I move from the Burj al Arab, where we were royally spoiled, to the Madinat Jumeirah Resort and Spa, which is right across the street. It is our birthday, and we are thrilled to be celebrating it together in Dubai. You can see from the photo that this move is not exactly harrowing, since our butler Rae (whom we will miss desperately) is handling all the details. Not only did the Burj send flowers and a birthday cake, but the Madinat Jumeirah also greeted us with a cake, champagne, and a screen saver on our room’s computer that said, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” The two hotels had coordinated our celebration (both are part of the Jumeirah brand).

I now have a better understanding of these hotels' six- and seven-star ratings (even if self-proclaimed). With a ratio of seven staff members to every guest at the Burj, everyone in the hotel seems to recognize guests by name, and there are continual service surprises in the forms of food, wine, flower, and gifts on your bed in the evening. There is a culture of anticipating guest needs and exceeding them at every point. When I order a converter plug for my computer, the butler arrives with two converters on a silver platter. When I order a bottle of water, six arrive. It seems as though we're always answering the door! When I commented on the constant interruptions, Katrine wisely said, “It’s probably something we ordered”—and it always was.

Well, our first day in Dubai was quite an experience. Checking into the Burj al Arab, which is known as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, was in itself memorable. Rolls Royce pickup at the airport; ceremonial greeting at hotel entrance; escort to suite by tuxedo-clad manager; and a tour of our two-story living quarters by our personal butler. The suite tour took an hour. And this isn't even VIP treatment - it's standard procedure for any guest who checks into this 202-suite hotel. My sister Katrine and I snicker as we sink into comfy high-thread-count linen bedsheets amidst tremendous opulence and enough gold and glitz to last us, well, maybe forever. After a good night's sleep we call our butler to deliver breakfast and then head to the spa where Tina, the spa director, has arranged for an "Around the World Massage" treatment for each of us. We sit in the relaxation room sipping tea, where my sister sums it up: "This is working for me."

The Mayflower Inn and Spa in Washington, CT, is readying for opening. I was invited to be a part of one of the property's “soft opening” groups this past week. My reaction? Words like stunning, gorgeous, exquisite, tasteful, thoughtful, and amazing come to mind. Without giving away some of the surprising details that will unfold for all of us in the next few months (hint: the destination program includes unlimited spa treatments), I did want to be among the first to spread the word that the Mayflower Spa will likely set a new standard in luxury for spas around the world. Welcome, welcome, welcome.

This observation was shared by Ed Burstell, the Senior VP of General Merchandise for Bergdorf Goodman at an event that I attended last Thursday evening. He was part of a panel for the Luxury Marketing Council, a group that meets regularly to share insights on marketing to the luxury consumer. The panel was entitled "The Impact of Spa & Wellness on the Luxury Market".

I thought Ed's point was fascinating. Luxury retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman have found that their spring, summer, fall, and winter fashion seasons now have a new sibling. Resort wear (formerly a short segment squeezed between winter and spring including a few outfits to wear on a cruise) has now blossomed into a season unto itself. As Ed mentioned, interest in spa and wellness vacations has created a robust resort season that affects virtually every retail department! Traditional buying and selling cycles for retailers and consumers are changing to accommodate the spa and wellness lifestyle that people are adopting both at home and when they travel. This means workout clothes, casual clothes to wear to the spa and at the spa, evening resort wear, jewelry, handbags, shoes, hats, swimwear, etc.

An exciting development. Now, if we can just get retailers to understand that we spa enthusiasts consider the "spa season" to be year round!